UArctic Commitment Renewed

The University of Saskatchewan has renewed its commitment in the University of the Arctic with a memorandum of understanding stating it will continue to host the institution’s office of undergraduate studies until 2009.

The office, one of nine operated around the world by UArctic, has been located at the U of S since July 2003. It oversees the Circumpolar Studies undergraduate program which consists of seven required courses and concentrations or advanced emphasis in other areas, said Greg Poelzer, a political studies professor and dean of UArctic undergraduate studies. The U of S offers advanced emphasis in aboriginal public administration, environmental impact assessment and Northern land contaminants.

The memorandum was signed Sept. 13 by Provost Michael Atkinson on behalf of the U of S, and Lars Kullerud of Norway, President of UArctic.(Photo by Colleen MacPherson)

UArctic is a network of 102 universities, colleges and indigenous organizations that share a commitment to education and research in the North.

Poelzer said being a part of UArctic provides “greater profile for the tremendous legacy this University has in Northern research. We have a great deal of depth in this area, and having international offices here raises the profile of all the things that are going on.”

The undergrad office also ties directly to the University’s strategic directions, including developing a sense of place, and emphasizing aboriginal education and internationalization.

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure that enables member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions. Through cooperation in education, research and outreach we enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, and forge global partnerships.